Page 138 of Court of Aether and Shadows

"Try not to break it," Nyx called out. "Some of us still need to use it."

"Your concern is touching," Solaris replied dryly as he stepped out.

Liam had finally managed to straighten up, though his walk was still somewhat stiff as he approached the scanner.

"I hate all of you," he muttered.

"No, you don't," Nyx sang out cheerfully. "You love us. Especially your precious Star Girl over here." She winked at me while Liam's shadows darkened with embarrassment.

The scanner seemed particularly interested in Liam's shadow magic, the crystals pulsing longer than they had for the others.

Finally, it was Nyx's turn.

"Watch and learn, pups," she said, sauntering toward the chamber. "This is how a real wolf handles a scanning."

She paused next to me before entering, leaning close to whisper in my ear.

"Sometimes," she murmured, her galaxy eyes sparkling with mischief, "you have to use a little violence to get the resolution that helps you. Especially with stubborn alpha males who think they know best."

"I can still hear you," Liam grumbled, though his shadows seemed to have relaxed slightly.

Nyx stepped into the scanner with a flourish, her void energy immediately creating patterns that shouldn't have been possible in our dimension.

The technician's eyes widened slightly as she recorded the readings.

Just as I stepped toward the scanner, Lady Aurora materialized in a flash of pure light, her perfect features arranged in practiced urgency.

"I simply must go next," she announced, her harmonious voice carrying across the space. "I have a full schedule with Professor Helios and need to prove his choice was well-founded."

Something told me she was lying her ass off, but I wasn’t going to ruin her parade. Attention seeking was her middle name, so let her continue chasing this imaginary momentum if it helps her sleep at night.

"By all means," I gestured to the scanner with exaggerated politeness. "Please, go right ahead."

Aurora's eyes narrowed at my easy acquiescence, clearly having expected a fight. Still, she lifted her chin and strode into the chamber with imperial grace.

The moment she entered, the scanner's crystals flared with intense light.

Her Aether energy poured off her in waves, making the magical measuring devices flicker and pulse. The technicians scrambled to adjust their readings as pure celestial power filled the chamber.

"Remarkable," one technician breathed, scribbling furiously. "Such raw Aether potential."

"Just as expected from Lord Helios's star pupil," another added, making Aurora's perfect smile widen.

The gathering crowd of students whispered in awe, though I noticed my wolves looking distinctly unimpressed. Nyx actually yawned, earning her a sharp elbow from Solaris.

Of course,none of this impresses her.

"Impressive indeed, Lady Aurora," the head technician said as she exited the chamber. "Your Aether affinity is quite strong."

"Naturally," she preened, tossing her perfect hair over her shoulder. As she passed our group, she paused. "Try not to be too disappointed when your readings prove...less remarkable."

I can’t even try to tame the way my eyes roll at her theatrics in belittling me.

"Let's get this over with," I said with a casual shrug, returning Aurora's venom with honey.

"You'll be fine," Elenore called encouragingly while Finn gave me a thumbs up. My wolves watched intently, though I noticed Nyx practically vibrating with anticipation.

I stepped into the chamber, waiting for something to happen.

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